In short - if you think about it - never!
Well almost never.
Let's think about the possible reasons to cc your boss on an email:
Well almost never.
Let's think about the possible reasons to cc your boss on an email:
- You want to let the boss know that you are on the ball for reassurance
- You want to show off - see how clever I am!
- You think that somehow putting the boss on cc gives your message more authority
- You are generally in the habit to cc as many people as possible in the hope that someone will pick up the thread and do something
- The boss has asked you to
The only valid reason, me thinks, is the last one. If you have a good working relationship with your boss then he/she will know that you are on the ball, will know how smart you are.
And be honest - have you ever been impressed with someone else's boss on copy of an email you received? Ok, so it might spur you into action a little quicker, but do you feel the little bit of resentment building up?
80% of emails I receive have me on copy. Less than 15% of emails make it clear to me what I should do. Even less is the percentage of emails which make it possible to know from the subject line what is required.
Also consider this: your boss gets an email about some problem you face with your colleagues and team mates? How does this reflect on you? I think it gives the impression that you are not capable of solving the problem. The oss will get involved and another fire drill is on its way.
So in summation - in the ever growing avalanche of emails which we create in this age of social networking and messaging - keep you business emails sharp.
Use the right channel, use the correct distribution list, and don't escalate from step 1 by copying your boss (after all, where do you go after that?).
Try to solve the problem / issue by yourself first. If you have to involve your boss write separately outlining the action steps you have taken and why you got stuck.
Happy emailing!
Spoken like a man who is on copy a LOT (and I know this to be true). Heck, I feel bad even commenting here!
ReplyDeleteOK, I have one more point to add. Each boss is going to want their own level of overlap and involvement. They will all have their own personal style. I've only had four bosses in my 15 year career, and they were all very different. Some would demand to be copied on everything, and at the other extreme, wouldn't read the mail even if you called out explicitly what you needed from them (preferred face-to-face). So a big part is quickly determining your boss' particular style preference.
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